Categories / iPad

The iPad is often labelled as a device made for consuming rather than creating. With an external keyboard like this incredibly slim one from Logitech, the iPad transforms into a whole new device. No matter how fast you manage to input text with the on-screen keyboard, hardware buttons are easier and faster to use for most people.

The popular Ultrathin Keyboard Cover has been around for a while now, but Logitech just announced an updated version that is both thinner (6.4mm) and lighter than the previous model. It now features a new multi-angle slot that lets you use your iPad in the viewing angle you prefer. The keyboard also works as a screen cover as it clips on to your iPad using magnets. The combination of an iPad and the Ultrathin Keyboard Cover is almost like using a very small laptop, powered by iOS. It is available in Space Grey or Silver and there are versions for both iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display.

When Apple announced Bluetooth controller support in iOS 7 I got excited about all the possibilities that this would bring. I play a lot of games on my iPad but I have stayed away from most of the ones that require advanced, on-screen controls. Virtual controls just don’t work as well as I’m used to, growing up with Nintendo, SEGA, XBOX and Playstation gaming systems. But now, with this new move by Apple, everything would change for iOS, right?

Well, a few quite good gaming controllers have been released lately, but most of them are just hardware add-ons for the iPhone. Since I do most of my gaming on an iPad I wanted a standalone, wireless controller and that’s exactly what SteelSeries have made with the Stratus. It connects to your iOS device using Bluetooth and gives you about 10 hours of gameplay on every charge. Despite the relatively small design it still packs dual analog sticks, a d-pad and all the buttons you will ever need in a game.

There is still no way to filter out games that support gaming controllers in the App Store, but two of my favorite games are Oceanhorn and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Now let’s all hope that Apple decides to make an App Store for Apple TV and lets us use these gaming controllers to play iOS games on our TVs. This would be a serious competition to XBOX One, Playstation 4 etc.

In order to be prepared for anything that the day brings I usually carry a lot of gadgets and accessories in my bag. To reduce its weight and size, and because I just like it this way, I prefer to keep most of my gear small and light-weight. USB cables is no exception and I really like them as short as possible. After trying out a lot of different options, I have come to the conclusion that Kero makes the best Lightning and Micro USB cables for my needs.

The Nomad cables are short but can still bend a lot, something that is convenient when used together with devices like the Dark Energy Reservoir. The build-quality is good and the Lightning version is of course Apple MFi certified. There’s not much more to be said, they are just cables after all, but I can’t recommend the Nomads enough. This is a great gift for anyone who owns a smart phone and it’s something you can keep in any bag or jacket pocket and hardly notice it’s there until you need it.

SurfacePad for iPad mini is a thin leather cover with a built-in, multi-angle stand – $69.99

If you own a laptop, phone or tablet made by Apple then there’s a good chance that you have heard about, or already own, something made by Twelve South. Their company slogan says it all:“We’re not just Mac friendly. We’re Apple only”. The beautiful BookBook cases is probably what they’re most famous for, but they have created more than a few amazing Apple accessories in the past.

The latest product in their line-up is a 3 mm (0.1 inches) thin leather cover for iPad mini. It’s called SurfacePad and it protects the front and back of your iPad mini but leaves the edges open, which reduces bulk and weight. The cover sticks to the back of the iPad using “a special adhesive” that is said to not leave any marks or residue on the device, no matter how many times you remove and reattach it.

The extremely thin design and the use of premium Napa leather are reasons enough to want to check this cover out, but there’s also a hidden feature to explore. The obvious ways to use the SurfacePad are either with the front cover flipped to the back or to open the case as a book, but it can also be used as a stand. Hidden magnets inside the leather can hold the iPad in two different angles: one made for typing or working and one made for viewing content.

I never really liked the leather Smart Case by Apple and I think that the SurfacePad can be one of the most interesting alternatives to it.